In the deadliest attack on Israeli forces since the October 7 Hamas raid, twenty-four soldiers were killed in the Gaza Strip. Despite mounting calls for a cease-fire, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vows to press on until "absolute victory" over Hamas. Israel proposes a two-month cease-fire, offering hostage release in exchange for imprisoned Palestinians. Hamas rejects the proposal, demanding an end to the offensive. The conflict has caused extensive destruction, displaced Gaza's population, and raised international pressure on Israel to scale back. Netanyahu seeks to expand operations and control Gaza's border with Egypt, sparking tensions with Egypt.
